New Hebron and McComb will share in a U.S. Department of theInterior Land and Water Conservation Fund grant that provides$184,000 to the two municipalities.

New Hebron will receive $34,000 toward a picnic pavilion,walking track, landscaping and facility improvements at a downtownpark.

The grant for New Hebron Friendship Park must be matched withlocal funds, but Mayor Cindy Bryan said those costs will be offsetby city workers providing labor and a donation of $10,000 by theGeorgia-Pacific Monticello Mill.

“It may cost us a little bit, but some of it will be in-kindwork,” she said.

The half-acre park is located on Main Street on land donated bythe Riley family. A few years ago, the town purchased a small tractof land adjacent to the property to expand the park.

“This continues our goal of making the park a place for thesurrounding community to enjoy town functions and to serve as agathering place for family reunions, church events and for childrento play,” Bryan said.

The town planted trees and shrubs last year under a $2,000 grantfrom the U.S. Forestry Commission, she said.

The $34,000 USDA grant will primarily be used to build thecovered pavilion and the walking track, the mayor said.

Construction of the project is expected to begin in May when theweather improves.

“We’re looking forward to getting started on the project,” Bryansaid. “We hope to have it done by this year’s Pulpwood Festival inOctober.”

McComb was awarded $150,000 for the development of a 50-acreMcComb Sports Park. Park planning includes two baseball fields, amulti-purpose field, entrance and parking lot and lighting.